8 Important Business Ethics Cases

For those interested in researching some interesting ethical businesses cases, there are plenty from which to choose. Business leaders may feel squeezed by shareholders to produce profits. Some have made some ethical blunders in an attempt to remain competitive. Others have used their size to squeeze out the competition. The following includes some important business ethics cases based on well-known organizations:

Enron – Questionable accounting practices and manipulation of the energy supply brought down this company. Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room is an excellent documentary movie that explains the scandal. Check out an excerpt from Enron’s Code of Ethics.

Monsanto – Monsanto has been criticized for its mega-size. Critics fear they are taking over the food supply as well as creating negative environmental issues. Check out Monsanto’s Code of Ethics for Chief Executives and Senior Financial Officers.

WalMart – Studies have shown that WalMart may save people money but they may also negatively impact communities. Their low prices may also hurt suppliers. The company received criticism when leadership announced they wanted to hire healthier, more productive employees. WalMart has been accused of being anti-union and has survived sweatshop and discrimination scandals. Check out WalMart’s Statement Regarding Code of Ethics.

Countrywide – The company offered subprime loans that later resulted in default. Critics have claimed that Countrywide employees told clients that their properties would increase in value and that their loans would be able to be refinanced when market values rose. The market values declined causing many to lose their homes. Check out Countrywide’s Code of Ethics.

Beechnut – Beechnut’s ethics came into question when it was discovered that they were selling “apple juice” to foreign countries that contained something less than apple juice. For more information on this scandal, check out Beechnut’s History and Apple Juice Scandal.

Starbucks – Clustering strategy may force smaller companies out of business. There were so many Starbucks on street corners that movies like Best In Show made fun of how there might be one Starbucks right across the street from another. Check out Starbucks’ Code of Ethics for CEO and Financial Leaders.

Nike – Manufacturing practices included producing shoes offshore to save money. Nike has used its share of sweatshops in manufacturing. They have come under fire for human rights violations. Check out Nike’s Code of Ethics.